WASHINGTON, March 11 (Reuters) - The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Tuesday the extension of restrictions prohibiting U.S. flights to the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince, until September 8 due to security concerns related to armed gangs threatening civil aviation.
Initially, in November, the FAA had temporarily suspended all flights to Haiti, later limiting the restriction to six airports in northern Haiti following incidents where three U.S. commercial jetliners were targeted by gunfire. The initial deadline for the restrictions was set to expire on Wednesday.
Last year, the agency had permitted American carriers and general aviation pilots to resume operations at six airports in Haiti: Port-de-Paix, Cap-Haitien, Pignon, Jeremie, Antoine-Simon, and Jacmel.
The FAA reported on Tuesday that armed gangs in the capital have been using small arms to target civilian aircraft, helicopters, and airports, resulting in damage to multiple aircraft and injuries to a crew member.
The FAA highlighted that Haitian gangs are in possession of small arms, including high-caliber rifles and machine guns, which primarily pose risks to aircraft during ground operations, low-altitude flights, and the approach/departure stages of flight.
U.S. aircraft are permitted to fly over Port-au-Prince at altitudes above 10,000 feet (3,048 m).